Legislature to hear governor’s health care reform proposals

This evening the Minnesota Senate will hear proposals from Governor Dayton that leverage federal health reform to provide new and or better coverage for thousands of Minnesotans.

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Montevideo American-News

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Posted Apr. 3, 2013 at 9:55 AM
Updated Apr 3, 2013 at 9:57 AM

Posted Apr. 3, 2013 at 9:55 AM
Updated Apr 3, 2013 at 9:57 AM

This evening the Minnesota Senate will hear proposals from Governor Dayton that leverage federal health reform to provide new and or better coverage for thousands of Minnesotans. This coverage will be provided within existing resources and will move Minnesota forward toward a streamlined public program that works better for enrollees and better for taxpayers. These proposals build on the recommendations of the Governor’s Health Reform Task Force, a bipartisan group of Minnesotans made up of public and private sector health care leaders.

“For the past 20 years, our state has offered meaningful health insurance to low-income working families through the bipartisan creation of MinnesotaCare,” said Commissioner Lucinda Jesson. “While our public health programs provide needed coverage, they are too complex. These proposals will help streamline our system and leverage federal health reform in a way that is good for our enrollees and taxpayers.”

Dayton’s proposed budget makes it possible for more people earning 133 to 200 percent of the federal poverty level – roughly $15,000 to $23,000 for a single adult – to get on and stay on MinnesotaCare. By 2016, it is estimated MinnesotaCare will provide coverage for an additional 160,000 residents and be 95 percent federally funded. The department will also present on a proposal to streamline Medicaid eligibility.

Earlier this year another key component of the governor’s health reform agenda, the expansion of Medical Assistance, was passed by the legislature and signed into law.

Presenting for the Department of Human Services will be Assistant Commissioner Scott Leitz. He will present before the Health and Human Services Finance Committee on Wednesday at 6 p.m. in room 107 of the State Capitol.

Fact sheets on additional DHS legislative initiatives and proposals are on the DHS website.